Looking for the perfect gift for the adventurous woman or nature lover in your life? Look no further! Backcountry Women is here to help you find the gear that will fuel some fun outdoor experiences.

Whether they're a seasoned hiker, a weekend camper, or just starting to explore the outdoors, we have something for everyone. Here are our top picks, all featuring affiliate links that support Backcountry Women with your purchase (at no extra cost to you!).

For the Trailblazer:

• Packable Protection: The unexpected downpour or strong wind is no match for the Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Jacket, Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket, or Rab Downpour Eco Jacket - Women's. These lightweight and packable raincoats easily stuff into a backpack, offering a quick shield from the elements.
• Conquer Any Terrain: Help her hike with ease and stability with a pair of Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles or Black Diamond Trail Trek Poles. These adjustable poles offer excellent support and reduce impact on joints, making even challenging hikes more enjoyable.

• Battery Banks
  Rugged, water resistant power banks keep essential devices charged during long trips. Check out Powerbanks by Nitecore on Amazon, or the Anker Powerbanks (such as the 10,000 mAh with USB C Input / Output version) on Amazon.

• Headlamps
  Rechargeable headlamps with adjustable brightness settings are essential for hands-free lighting during evening hikes or campsite activities. Try the Nitecore Rechargeable Headlamp from Amazon, or check it out at Garage Grown Gear.

• 
  

For the Camp Queen:

• Honcho Poncho by Thermarest: This cozy piece of gear is one part fireside layer, one part blanket, and 100% awesome. Insulated and water-resistant, the Honcho Poncho allows  you to wrap yourself in warmth while relaxing at camp. Find it at Valhalla Pure Outfitters, the Thermarest website, or search on Amazon.
• Delicious Camp Meals: Upgrade her camp kitchen with the Sea To Summit Frontier UL One Pot Cook Set OR MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit. These lightweight and durable sets are perfect for delicious meals on trail or under the stars.
• Fuel for the Adventure: Boiling water for coffee or camp meals is a breeze with the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Stove. (You can also find it on MSR's website here.) This compact and efficient backpacking stove is a must-have for any camp chef.

For the Prepared Adventurer:

• Hydration Must Have: Clean drinking water is essential for any outdoor adventure. The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter or Versa Flow is a lightweight and easy-to-use filter that removes harmful bacteria from backcountry water sources, ensuring you can stay hydrated and healthy.

• Hygiene Gear
  Compact, eco-friendly hygiene kits with biodegradable soap, or reusable wipes like the Kula Cloth are must-haves for any adventure. See links for our favourite hygiene gear here.

• Fire Building Gear
  Packable fire starters help you make a reliable campfire, even when you don't expect to have one on your adventure. Add some of these fire starters to your favourite adventurer's stocking! Check out our favourites here.

• 
  

Winter Wonderland Warmth:

• Every adventurer needs a "puffy' insulated jacket in their pack. This 

  Forclaz Women’s Padded Winter Jacket option from Decathlon Canada won't break the bank!
  
  

Shop with Confidence & Support Backcountry Women!

By using our affiliate links, you can support Backcountry Women with your gift purchases at no extra cost! We're dedicated to empowering women who love the outdoors, and your support helps us continue offering resources, events, and inspiration.

You Can't Go Wrong with the Gift of Adventure!

We hope this guide inspires you to find the perfect gift for the outdoor gal in your life. Remember to check out our Backcountry Women's Gear Favourites page for even more great ideas! We also have great stocking stuffers like our new Manitoba Adventure stickers available in limited quantities, and our Membership gift certificates. Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!

The crisp air, the sparkling snow – winter in Winnipeg can be magical. But let's be honest, it can also be tempting to hibernate until spring! Here at Backcountry Women, we know the importance of staying active year-round, and winter offers unique opportunities to get your heart pumping and enjoy the beauty of our city and wonderful province.

Whether you're a seasoned outdoorswoman or just starting out, these top 5 tips will help you conquer the Winnipeg winters and keep your activity goals on track:

1. Embrace the Snow: Winnipeg boasts some fantastic cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing trails perfect for all skill levels. Our partners at Wilderness Supply have a wide selection of winter sport equipment and cozy layers to get you started. Be sure to also check out the Winnipeg Trails Association webpage for a guide on various Winnipeg trails to explore.

2. Layer Up for Fun: Don't let the cold hold you back! Invest in good quality base layers made from fabrics that wick away moisture. No cotton! Amazon Canada has a great selection of affordable options. Thrift stores can also be really helpful. Top your base layer off with a warm mid-layer (or layers) and a water / windproof outer shell. Proper layering keeps you comfortable and allows you to adjust to changing temperatures and activity levels.

3. Find Your Squad: Staying active is more fun with friends! Join a local winter sports club or connect with other outdoor enthusiasts through Backcountry Women's Events page. We host regular activities and workshops that cater to all levels. It's a great way to stay motivated, learn new skills, connect with community, and explore hidden winter gems in Winnipeg.

4. Light Up Your Nights: With shorter days, it's important to be visible during your evening activities. Invest in a headlamp and reflective gear to ensure safety. Many local parks offer well-lit walking paths perfect for a brisk evening stroll.

5. Celebrate Your Achievements: Set realistic winter activity goals and track your progress. Backcountry Women runs year-round activity challenges to keep you motivated. Check out our website for details and join our supportive community of women who are passionate about staying active outdoors.

Bonus Tip: Don't forget to stay hydrated! Even in colder weather, your body still needs plenty of water. Carry a thermos filled with a warm decaffeinated drink for extra comfort on your winter adventures.

So, what are you waiting for? Embrace the Winnipeg winter! With a little preparation and the right gear, you can stay active, healthy, and enjoy the beauty of our city all season long!

Looking for more inspiration? Check out these resources:

• Backcountry Women Events Page
• Backcountry Women Memberships
• Backcountry Women Activity Challenges
• Backcountry Women's Guide to Exploring Manitoba and Beyond
• Winnipeg Trails Maps

Stay warm, stay active, and see you on the trails!

As the crisp autumn air settles in Winnipeg, it's the perfect time to embrace the great outdoors. Whether you're planning a day hike in Whiteshell Provincial Park or a weekend camping trip at Birds Hill Provincial Park, having reliable fire-starting skills is essential. In this post, we'll share some simple and effective DIY fire starter tips to ensure your outdoor adventures are always warm and cozy.

The Importance of Fire Starting Skills

• Survival: In emergency situations, fire can provide warmth, light, and a means to signal for help.

• Comfort: A campfire can transform a cold evening into a cozy experience.

• Cooking: Fire is essential for preparing meals in the wilderness (though we don't suggest solely relying on this option for cooking!).
  
  

DIY Fire Starter Ideas

1. Cotton Ball Fire Starters:
   

   • Dip cotton balls in petroleum jelly.

   • Store them in a waterproof container.

   • These fire starters are lightweight, highly flammable, and easy to ignite.

2. Dryer Lint Fire Starters:
   

   • Stuff dryer lint into a toilet paper roll.

   • This readily available material can quickly catch a flame.

3. Natural Fire Starters:
   

   • Collect fallen pine needles, pine cones, and dry twigs.

   • These natural materials can be used to start a fire, especially when combined with a commercial fire starter.

4. Bicycle Inner Tube Fire Starter:
   

   • Cut a strip of inner tube about 1 inch wide.

   • This waterproof and lightweight material can be easily ignited.

Tips for Successful Fire Starting:

• Practice makes perfect: Spend time practicing fire-starting techniques before heading out on a trip.

• Choose the right kindling: Use dry, small twigs and branches to start your fire.

• Build a proper fire lay: Arrange your kindling to allow for proper oxygen flow.

• Protect your fire: Use a fire pan or ring to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.

• Extinguish your fire completely: Douse the fire with water and stir the ashes to ensure it's fully extinguished.

By following these tips and experimenting with DIY fire starters, you'll be well-prepared to ignite your next outdoor adventure in Winnipeg. Remember to always practice fire safety and respect local regulations.

Don't forget about pre-made fire starters!

While DIY fire starters are a great way to save money and connect with nature, sometimes you just need a reliable, pre-made option. Here are some fire starting options you can consider*:

• Firebiner by Outdoor Element - Check it out on Garage Grown Gear

• All-Weather Matches by SOL - Check them out on Garage Grown Gear

• UltraFire Knife by Renegade Outdoor - Found on Garage Grown Gear

• UCO Stormproof matches / match kits (I LOVE THEIR PRODUCTS AND USE THEM ALL THE TIME!) - Purchase from Mountain Equipment Company
  - Purchase from UCO Gear

• Pre made tinder cubes - made of sawdust and wax (make sure to choose scent-free!)
  - Such as these Coghlan's band fire sticks

Remember: When purchasing pre-made fire starters, look for products that are waterproof, windproof, and easy to ignite. *Note - we use affiliate links, and you can purchase through these links to support Backcountry Women, at no extra cost to you.

Want to learn more about fire building and other outdoor skills? Backcountry Women offers local fire building workshops. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and check our events page for future opportunities to learn these skills hands-on.

Winter Ten Essentials

❄️ As we all know, it gets darker much earlier in the evening this time of year. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't participate in outdoor activities, it just means that you need to be prepared! Carrying a light source with you (aside from your cell phone!) is always a good idea. Batteries die quickly in the cold so be sure to pack extra. Carry these items close to your body to stay warm, like in a pocket that's in one of your mid-layers.

❄️ Carry extra layers with you - temps, conditions, and body heat can quickly change so it's important to be able to adjust your layers throughout your adventure and activity levels. Weather is also incredibly unpredictable and forecasts can become irrelevant in a matter of minutes, so it's better to pack too many layers than not enough. And always remember to pack extra socks as well - that way you aren't stuck having cold or wet feet!

❄️ Wear proper footwear and keep an eye on your footing - ice can often be hard to see, so watch where you step and go at whatever pace you feel comfortable. Consider traction aids that you can pull on overtop your footwear such as microspikes as an extra safety measure.

❄️ Always carry a fire source with you! Even if you don't plan to stay overnight or have a fire while hiking, a fire kit will allow you to successfully start a fire in case of an emergency and be able to keep you warm or signal for help.

❄️ Keep an emergency car kit in your vehicle so that you have easy access to things like high-protein snacks, blankets, jumper cables, or extra gloves, hats, and scarves in case something happens while you're on the road.

Check out our GEAR FAVES for some recommended items that you may want to consider adding to your gear kit. If you're looking for suggestions on a specific item, drop a comment down below and we'd be happy to provide you with our opinion!